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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Nothing like a little growling to help your mood, right? No? I can't really say as it helps me either. Honestly, I try to avoid music when I'm angry simply because I don't want to associate a song I like with that feeling. Having said that, this songs somehow makes me feel better. Maybe because I would so be growly when I'm mad if I could. :p

This challenge is a bit narrow-minded. My favorite album likely has something to do with my favorite band, which again, likely has something to do with most of the other songs I've listed so far. Maybe I'm narrow-minded when it comes to music--I really don't believe this as I enjoy a wide variety of tunage. I think next time, I shall make my own challenge though... Who's in? :)

This isn't my favorite album exactly, but it's one I really, really love! Plus I haven't featured one of my preferred bands.

Todd Keisling is a writer, occasional blogger, and author of the novel A LIFE TRANSPARENT. Born in Kentucky, he now lives near Reading, Pennsylvania with his wife, Erica. He works a day job just like everyone else but indulges his super-secret writer superhero self every evening. And, contrary to popular opinion, he’s a cat person.

First of all, I want to thank Todd for taking the time to talk with us today. Also, I want to remind you to leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of Todd's book, A Life Transparent.

* How did you come up with such an unique idea and story?

The central concept—that of a man living such a boring existence that he begins to physically disappear—came about one day at work. I was unhappy with my job, unhappy with a lot of things in my life at that point in time (this was about five years ago), and on that particular day, no one spoke to me or acknowledged I was there, and I found myself wondering, “Is this it? Is this all there is left in life?”

I imagined myself ten years in future, at a ripe age of 33, still stuck in the same job, still trying to make it as a writer, still making promises to myself that I couldn’t keep. And from that, Donovan Candle was born. The theme of shedding one’s mediocrity in favor of pursuing their dreams crept up as I searched for a deeper reason behind Donovan’s affliction. That led to the creation of the book’s pseudo-antagonist, Aleister Dullington.

The rest of the book was made up of a number of smaller ideas meant for other stories that never seemed to gain any traction. The theory of the homeless and missing people, abduction of Donovan’s spouse, and the incident with the cat all seemed to find a home under that main concept’s umbrella.

* Which character in your story was the most fun to write?

I really enjoyed writing about Aleister Dullington. He surprised me as the book took shape and all through the revision process. I like that he walks that line between neutral-good and neutral-bad, and I’m hesitant to call him a total villain simply because his motivation is at odds with the main character. On one hand, he uses Donovan as a means to an end, but on the other, Dullington is doing his job, and he’s grown very bored with it—just like Donovan. It’s little things like this that made him a joy to write about, even if his presence is largely negative.

* Do your characters bear any resemblance to you?

I think there’s a little resemblance of myself in most of my characters, in some form or fashion. Those characters who don’t are based on others. Donovan is an imagination of myself as an older figure, exhibiting the same subconscious tendencies, hopes, fears, and doubts. Dullington is that nagging voice in the back of my head, telling me what I need to do (which is, in many ways, just like Donovan’s own creation, Joe Hopper). Dr. Albert Sparrow is the negative side, my inner cynic, taunting and goading me for falling short of my goals. There are all sorts of ways those characters could be picked apart and psychoanalyzed, but I’ll leave such conjecture for my editor, Amelia, who studied psychology and isn’t afraid to point out such things.

* The Yawning are sort of the minions of your story. How did you come up with them?

When I struck upon the notion of the Monochrome, I initially imagined it as being a large labyrinth-like area, rather than a reflection of our reality (the Spectrum). With that in mind, I wanted there to be some large creature that stalked the corridors, hunting the poor souls who had ended up in that gray prison. So, that’s how the Yawning came to be, though as the story developed and details changed, I realized there was more than just one creature at Dullington’s command.

* Who or what inspired you to become a writer? Was it something you always wanted to do?

Early on, it was the work of Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Chuck Palahniuk, and Albert Camus. Writing was not my first choice. Once upon a time, I wanted to go to college for an art degree. My focus on a visual medium turned to film, and from there, screenwriting. I wrote my first novel when I was 17, and it was adapted from a screenplay I wrote a year prior.

The process made me realize that I’d always been a writer in some way, even going back to when I was a little kid (I wrote my first story in Kindergarten, and it was published by the local newspaper). Even my drawings and paintings had stories to them, but I didn’t bother writing them down until I was older.

I think it worked out for the best. I can’t draw worth a shit.

* What is your favorite part of the writing process? Least favorite?

Let’s see . . . My favorite part is when everything comes together. When I start out with a story, I have a general idea, but things are out of focus. It’s my job to bring it all into focus, and there’s a point at which everything—all the ideas, the characters, their motivations—come together seamlessly, as though I’d planned it that way all along (even though I really didn’t). It’s a bit of a Eureka! moment, and from there it’s just a matter of writing it all the down. The story’s already telling itself by that point.

As for the least favorite part, it would have to be the time leading up to that pinnacle moment when it all comes together. That period early on when you feel like you’re fumbling around in the dark without a light, and all you have to keep you company (other than an intimidating, blank page) is that nagging voice of Doubt in your head, telling you it’s a stupid idea and that you should quit while you’re ahead. It makes getting to the good part all the more satisfying.

* Going indie is such a big step w/ a lot of responsibility and hard work. Why did you choose that route and are you happy with your choice?

ALT flirts with a number of genres, and it’s can’t strictly classify it as a thriller or horror novel. That said, I knew the odds were against me when it came to getting an agent. Even if I did happen to succeed in obtaining representation, the odds of the book surviving the next step into Traditional land without being stripped of certain elements were not good. I believed in the story, and I believed it would connect with readers. I didn’t need an agent telling me they wouldn’t, so I decided not to play the submit-and-wait game.

Aside from that, I wanted full control of my destiny. If it’s my name going on a book, I want it to live up to my standards. It’s because of this freedom that I was able to choose the cover designer and an editor who believe in my work and share my vision. The process was stressful, difficult, and it certainly isn’t for everyone, but at the end of the day, no one can say the book was half-assed. The end result is something I’m very proud of, and I’m happy with the choices I made.

* How do you see traditional vs indie playing out in the near and distant future?

I think we’ll see the traditional industry significantly shrink. I think we’ll see a lot more small, independent houses popping up in the next ten or fifteen years, mostly due to more established names striking out on their own. It’s the same sort of thing musicians have done (and continue to do) in the wake of the music industry crumbling around itself. Technology will play a huge part in it (as evidenced in the rise of ebook readers in the last four years), and while I’d like to say there will be a universal ebook format, I’m not going to hold my breath. If anything, there will probably be a dozen different proprietary formats, and while this may be a shot in the dark, I could also see the bigger publishers partnering and/or developing their own proprietary devices (but I really hope that doesn’t happen). This is all speculation, of course, and I could go on for pages. Regardless of how things pan out, I think it’s certainly an exciting time to be involved with publishing.

* What advice would you give to aspiring authors, especially those who plan to go indie as well?

Don’t give up. Armor yourself with the fact that some people will not like what you do, and that some will even try to discourage you from doing it. Don’t listen to these people. Write from your heart and be honest with your words.

If you’re going indie, do your homework, get to know your fellow indies (we tend to stick together), and do not cut corners. Remember, it’s your name going on that cover. Make sure the pages that follow that cover are the best damn pages you can make. Be prepared to spend money. Consider it an investment in your career.

Finally, have fun. If you can’t enjoy what you’re doing, you probably shouldn’t do it. So, in the words of Chuck Palahniuk, “love it—or find a way to love it.”

* Can you tell us a little bit about the sequel to A Life Transparent?

I can tell you a teeny-tiny bit without giving away any spoilers. The next book is called THE LIMINAL MAN. It takes place a little over a year after the events of ALT. It involves the disappearance of Donovan’s nephew, an outbreak of missing persons cases, and the inherent evil of reality television. If ALT is about the dangers of mediocrity, TLM is about the dangers of one’s own doubt and fear. It’s currently in the editing stages, and we hope to go to print with it sometime early next year, so stay tuned.

Again, a huge thanks to wonderfully talented Todd Keisling. A Life Transparent is available in both e-book format and paperback. Please be sure to visit Todd's website, www.toddkeisling.com for updates on his future projects. You can also follow him on Twitter, @todd_keisling, and on his Facebook author page.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

First off, I want to say, this isn't my usual blog entry type of post. It somewhat relates to writing, but I think it's more of a life lesson. You can apply that to writing though, so it counts.

So, I'm lying in bed, wanting desperately to fall asleep and put the day behind me. It's not because today was hard, per say, or even because something horrible happened. It's just been an off day for me. You all know what those are like, right? Anyway, I knew the cause of my yuck day. I tried to reason through it, knowing it was childish and stupid. Even still, the ugly beast called Jealousy spent a large portion of the day eating away at my emotional wall.

I don't consider myself a petty or immature person when it comes to emotional issues. To be quite honest, I'm rarely ever jealous, and not even in the way of begrudging other people's success. I don't. Even if I don't agree with how they got, their worthiness of it, or how they use it--it isn't my call to make, and I'm glad for it!

You can imagine my displeasure to find this gnawing, malicious little creature lurking in the shadowy recesses of my mind. At first, I didn't know what to do with it, and kind of didn't even make sense. I wasn't upset about anyone's success. I don't envy what anyone else has. I'm not looking on another's life wishing it were my own. But whatever was up, it had me in knots, and it wouldn't go away.

Lying here in bed, something dawned on me. The jealousy I'm feeling isn't flying solo. Insecurity tag-teamed with the green eyed monster to create this self-doubting lump of emotion I've been today. I don't want what someone else has--I doubt my own abilities to have what it is I do want. Those are two, vastly different things.

Even then, after realizing the problem, I didn't know what to do with it. The thing bothering me wasn't a goal in life. It has little in the way of my writing career, family, or plans for the future. How does one deal with that?

And then, BAM! another lightning bolt. We're ALL after the same things in life, one way or another. We all want approval and affirmation from someone we admire. See, "Smith" really looks up to "Jones." He wants to be a part of his inner circle and grow from his infinite knowledge. What "Smith" doesn't understand is, "Jones" is chasing after "Thomas." If he can just catch "Thomas" he'll reach that next place in his life where he can move on and up. All the while "Thomas" is reaching for an unobtainable star himself. But each man is missing the ultimate goal. Each man is chasing after something that's kind of an illusion. While "Smith" may one day grab onto "Jones," "Jones" isn't perfect. He has flaws that "Smith" couldn't see with the stars in his eyes. All three men want something that doesn't exist outside of their own person: reassurance and affirmation that they are enough in and of themselves. And because each man is pursuing his own goals and wishful thinking, those who could've otherwise benefited from a simple pat on the back will be passed over, and possibly let the stars go altogether.

In my wallowing today, I might've missed someone who needed a pat from me as much as I needed from them. My day is spent but for another 30 minutes. So if you needed that extra something today, that person to give you a hug and tell you, "You're awesome!" Consider yourself squeezed and "awesomed!"

We all have hopes and dreams, but no one person/group of people/situation can make it better for you. You have to find that worth in your own eyes. Believe me, you are something special :) Never chase the skirt-tails of anyone else. Make it happen for you, that way, you can be an example for others. Besides, you never know who's already watching.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

This is getting tricky on me. I'm not sure the best way to apply this to my writing. I don't even have this issue in my personal life. When I find something I love, it pretty much sticks with me forever. I'm a consistent type of gal.

With my story, the best I can think of would be a song that Ashton loved, but it was somehow associated with a negative incident. Nothing can quite ruin a song like something bad happening with it. I have songs from fifteen years ago that incite bizarre feelings in me because of something I did or read while listening to them.

Anyway, the first song that popped into mind relates to Ashton seeing the effect she has on a certain someone in her life...

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

This just seems cruel. If someone hates a band, there's a reason for it. I really don't even want to put thought into this, because it will inevitably result in the song being stuck in my head all day.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Ah, Bach. He makes everything happier and more peaceful doesn't he? Perfect timing for this post since I personally fell asleep to this very song last night.

In this scene: Ashton began playing the piano as a child. While she most frequently played her own family's music, she is a fan of classical. One particular night, Ashton has a hard time trying to fall asleep. She digs out her MP3 player, sets it on her relaxing play list, and imagines her own fingers moving across the keys as she drifts off.

Dancing! A favorite pastime for some of my characters! If only they danced to say Usher or Black Eyed Peas instead of the Irish music they tend to prefer, I'd have an amazing selection of YouTube videos from which to choose. It seems, however, the luck of the Irish was with me. I actually found a decent rendition of the song I was trying to find!

This is the music you would hear in my head as Ashton meets a rather interesting group of characters in the second half of Haven. So find some shamrocks and kick up your heels :D

This challenge is starting to get tough. I'm running out of music I can list without giving too much info on my story. Gonna try though :)

Ashton, having been betrayed in the worst way she can imagine, travels to a place she never wanted to go. Along the way, she's existing in a somewhat zombie-like state, thinking about her life and how it should've played out differently.

Friday, March 18, 2011

This is a rather fun song for me. It's one of those where you hear any part of it, and instantly you're transported to another place altogether.

In Haven, Ashton continues her road trip and finds herself in central Texas. Though I've never physically been to the beautiful town of Granbury, it's like a second home to me. The Victorian architecture and quaint feel of southern living are like something from a magazine. I love it there! You writers know what I mean ;) So just imagine an old-fashioned carnival with a fireworks display over the lake and take a listen.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Again, the song I automatically went for is Luke Asher. And again, no access on YouTube, but I will attach his MySpace music page link. You can listen there! I suggest you all just buy his album, that way each of you is in the know :)

This is one of the most moving and unique songs I've ever heard. Being Ashton's favorite musician, you should enjoy as well!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

This is a really tough call. While Haven is nowhere near a depressing story in which everyone dies (or ends up wishing they were dead), there are a few scenes that are emotionally toiling.

The scene that stands out most, I can't post the song, because I don't have access to it. So, given that restriction, I'm going to go with The Fray.

This is the song I hear when Ashton is standing in the cemetery, preparing to bury her father. The song itself isn't necessarily sad, but the connotation I make between it and the scene is enough that I can't hear it when I'm not writing.

Crap ::sniffles:: I need a tissue.

The Fray--That's Enough for Now

***Correction*** The song I don't have access to is Luke Asher--The Hearts God Made and the Fools Who Break Them. Man, what a song. Go to iTunes! You'll be happy, I promise! http://www.myspace.com/lukeasher/music

Sunday, March 13, 2011

This is a tough one for me--especially if I'm trying to relate it my writing--so I'm going to come at this from my MC's POV.

Ashton, my lead female, hates country music despite her being from the South. There's a scene in HAVEN where she hears the drone of a steel guitar and nasally voice and rolls her eyes, knowing the music she was going to suffer through. I personally enjoyed this scene for the simple fact that I "get it."

So as follows is the song I imagine Ashton hearing. A classic in its own right :p

Saturday, March 12, 2011

This is going to be the easiest one by far, I imagine. I'm the type of person who goes through life pretty consistently. There isn't a lot that has changed about me over the years. I'm simply taller and have slightly more responsibility than when I was a kid, I like the same shows (even cartoons), the same food, and I have the same interests.

Those interests include music. I'm thrilled to finally have an excuse to discuss my favorite band. The Silversun Pickups!!!! Or SSPU for short.

Though their first album, PIKUL, debuted in 2005, I really didn't get into their music until around 2009, with the release of SWOON. I immediately fell in love and went in search of all things SSPU.

The search yielded in an abundance of music glory, not the least of which, my favorite song: Future Foe Scenarios, from the 2006 album, CARNAVAS.

My friend Beth (AKA Chi) tweeted a link to a fellow blogger who is participating in one of those 30 day Facebook meme things. I'll be the first to admit, I have no idea what a meme is, but I like it. Anyway, Chi thought it would be a fun little challenge for our group to take part in, and I agree! I encourage you guys to join in as well and leave a comment!

Like so many others, music is an enormous part of my writing process--my life in general! If I'm awake, and sometimes asleep, there's music going somewhere in my house. Songs reach me on such a deep and personal level. It's more than a good beat--not that good beats aren't nice too ;) A good song is an entire novel summed up into 3 minutes worth of vocals. Songwriters are geniuses, in my opinion!

It goes like this: For 30 days, you post a song on your blog that relates to that day's requirements. I'm going to tweak it a bit and personalize this challenge for me. For each song I list, where possible, I'm going to tie that to my writing. See the guidelines below.

So here we go:

day 01 - your favorite songday 02 - your least favorite songday 03 - a song that makes you happyday 04 - a song that makes you sadday 05 - a song that reminds you of someoneday 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhereday 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain eventday 08 - a song that you know all the words today 09 - a song that you can dance today 10 - a song that makes you fall asleepday 11 - a song from your favorite bandday 12 - a song from a band you hateday 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasureday 14 - a song that no one would expect you to loveday 15 - a song that describes youday 16 - a song that you used to love but now hateday 17 - a song that you hear often on the radioday 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radioday 19 - a song from your favorite albumday 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angryday 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happyday 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sadday 23 - a song that you want to play at your weddingday 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeralday 25 - a song that makes you laughday 26 - a song that you can play on an instrumentday 27 - a song that you wish you could playday 28 - a song that makes you feel guiltyday 29 - a song from your childhoodday 30 - your favorite song at this time last year

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Well, I've been MIA for a while. I don't really have a good excuse aside from the fact that I've just had a LOT going on. Most of it is good stuff though, so that's a plus!

With that, I want to make the formal announcement: I'm going indie!

It's a choice I came to after MUCH research and time spent considering my different options. I will say, getting into the writerly mindset, I'd decided from the start that I'd pursue traditional publishing. Even now, the traditional route is fine and good for some. I just don't feel like it's the right fit for me right now. Call me controlling, but I favor the idea of calling the shots in what happens in my story. I'm willing to put in the extra time and effort to promote my work, and the traditional world is in a place of upheaval. Most authors don't break into the publishing world with clout and best-seller potential. It does happen, of course! There's always someone there to break the mold, so if that's YOUR dream, don't give up on it!!!

For me, it comes down to: What do I hope to accomplish with my writing? The answer, as simple as it is, proved a challenge for me. I researched the ins and outs of both traditional and indie publishing. I sought the advice and recommendations of others. In the end, it boiled down to me. My desire is to write novels...not query letters, not multiple versions and pages of a synopsis, but novels.

It dawned on me one day after reading a post from Amanda Hocking regarding "Indie vs Traditional" publishing. I highly recommend you check it out. It's informative in a way that doesn't read like a police report. ;) Anyway, it dawned on me after that... I don't want to spend (potentially) years trying to get published. Publishers are picking up less and less new authors for the simple fact they aren't often likely to take a chance on losing money. You can't really blame them when the publishing industry is in a state of change as it is now. That's a whole different post in and of itself though!

I've spent countless hours, days even, researching agents and publishers. I've searched innumerable databases for information on getting ahead and learning every piece of information I could on getting published. And I hated every second of it!!!

Like a magical though painful lighting bolt, inspiration struck me. "Hope, you're wasting so much time."

I don't *need* to be traditionally published. I'm a stay-at-home mom. We're blessed that I don't have work outside the house. Writing is for me in my (little) free time. So following the reasoning of the wunderkind, Amanda Hocking, I decided, "Why shouldn't I have books available while I write instead of waiting and working for something that's really no more than a shot in the dark?" (Please don't assume I haven't worked my butt off on my upcoming book!!! I finished the first draft around December of 2009. Not knowing what I was doing, it took me a while to find the right people to help me with editing and locate some really amazing beta readers and critique partners!)

I found some of the most amazing and knowledgeable folks on earth for support and assistance. HAVEN is coming along splendidly in some hardcore revision and editing (thanks, Chi ;), and we're looking at an early June release!!!

So, I have tons more to say about going indie, and I'll try to get to that ASAP. It really is a little known, though growing!, option for writers. There is a lot of misinformation out there that I fell victim to. I hope you all can research and make the right decisions for yourselves. Don't take anything at face value. Learn to make your own decisions and...